Chapter 1
Beginning of Vengeance
My name is Adrian Ivanovich Hoffman. I was born in Moscow, during the time of the Cold War. When I was growing up I was told to respect others and make money honorably. After my parents died, I was on my own. I had to live on the unforgiving streets of Russia, pickpocketing, shoplifting. I soon found myself with a group of 'friends'. And said 'friends' taught me to survive. Making bigger takes. It goes back on what I was taught; Making money honorably. But since when did anyone make money honorably? Politicians; Lying and stealing from the people. Muggers; willing to kill an old lady to get to the seven dollars she has in her purse.
We started robbing banks back in Russia, and after a few successful heists, we had to move, the police were getting suspicious, sending Spetsnaz troops when things got awry, often as they did.
And now, here I am in Washington D.C. 26 years old and none the wiser, possibly no better than the people I listed. I sit in a shitty van with four other Russians I know. My friends... My Comrades... Vladimir, A man from St. Petersburg with a chip on his shoulder, the ring leader of our little group, he orchestrated the planning most of the time, and kept civilians in check, usually with violent force. Kiril, A silent but deadly man, keeps a pistol on him at all times, even if he has to carry two bags worth of money. Ivan, This man... he has a knack for heavy weapons, he requested several times to bring an RPG on our heists. An RPG! Crazy son of a bitch. And finally, Lev, the more reserved man. He was probably the most respectful to me, even then, he knows when to do his job.
We pulled up to the side of this bank we had our sights on for a while. We all had kevlar vests, cargo pants, black hoodies, black fingerless gloves and ski masks. Our equipment? AK-47s, all clean, ready for action. They call us criminals, savages, terrorists. Is it true? Maybe. But, we all need a Payday, don't we?
"So, what's the plan Vladimir?" I asked our ring leader. "Simple job." He started. When was it ever simple? "We go in, open the vault, grab the money, and get the hell out before the police show up." Vladimir nodded as he flexed his hands in his fingerless gloves. "Vladimir, it's never that simple." Lev sighed as he pulled back the bolt of his AK. "Well, make it simple!" Vladimir sighed. "Kiril, got that Thermite ready?" "Of course! Just light 'er up, and instant fireworks, I'll make sure it doesn't incinerate the money inside." Kiril smirked. "This better not be like last time." I remarked, giving a good glare at Kiril. "THAT was an accident." He insisted.
We arrived, the van coming to a stop. "Ski masks on." Vladimir ordered. "I've been waiting a long time for this." Kiril chuckled. "Hmph. Havn't we all?" Vladimir smirked as he kicked open the van doors and we ran into the bank. A few civilians saw us, with our rifles. "Nobody move!" Vladimir shouted. "This is a bank robbery!" "Get on the ground!" I shouted out, aiming my AK around. "Don't do anything stupid!" Kiril shouted. "Now people!" Leve started. "We are here to rob the bank! Not you! Just stay calm and we'll-" "Just shut up and handle the vault!" Vladimir interrupted. Kiril and Lev quickly went behind the counter, heading to the vault. I was left to watch the crowd, making sure no one played hero. I've done this quite a few times. A man next to me was visibly shaking, he was cowering, softly saying prayers for God to get him out of this mess. God seemed busy at the moment. I kneeled next to him. "Hey, calm yourself friend." I told him softly. "I-I-I don't want any trouble..." He looked close to breaking. "I don't want any either. We're just going to get the money, and then we'll be gone. Understand?" I told him, patting him lightly on the shoulder. When I stood up, I saw Vladimir, glaring, disappointed in me. Lev and Kiril came out with 4 bags, FULL of money. We're going to be rich! I smiled widely, this heist will set us up! "There's still some in there though." Lev told Vladimir. "Alright, buddy, can you get the rest?" Vladimir asked me. "Yeah, give me a few minutes." I responded as I sprinted into the vault, grabbing a bag left for me, as I started gathering the remaining bills. Satisfied with my work, I came outside, the van open, waiting for me. Vladimir took my bag. "We sent a strong message with this robbery Vladimir." I said excitedly. "No bank is safe!" I laughed. Vladimir smiled. "That wasn't a message, Adrian." He pulled out a pistol, aiming at me. My smile, instantly diminished. "THIS is a message." He pulled the trigger. The bullet striking me in the chest, knocking the wind out of me. I was bleeding! Vladimir closed the van with the others. They sped off! They left me here! And, for added punishment, the cops arrived. Aiming assault rifles at me before a paramedic arrived.
I knew I was going to a hospital, and possibly going to trial, then heading to prison. But, my mind was still stuck on the fact that my friends just left me! They let Vladimir shoot me and then just drove away. Mark my words... even if I have to make a new crew... start from scratch... I will have my revenge...
I sat in that Prison cell for ages... Until, I heard a heavily accented voice. "Look at this! I'm rich! It's Payday fellas!" He smirked. I looked at him from my cell like he was crazy, the guards around him thought the same thing to. "I said it's fucking Payday motherfu-" He was cut off from an explosion. I shielded my eyes from the blast as a large chunk of debris smashed into my cell, opening it. He slowly looked out, the people who caused the explosion, wearing strange masks. Until I saw a very familiar mask, an American flag painted on it. I've heard of these men. I watched as they ran with the British man out of the prison. I stepped out as well and began running. I was going to find a way to get the attention of the Payday gang... Even if it kills me...